Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. The chance persists for riders or skiers to trigger hard slab avalanches in very steep terrain the was loaded during the last storm cycle. Large loads such as a group of skiers or a snowmobile may be needed to trigger such a slide. Once triggered these slabs may have depths to four feet and are likely to carry severe consequences. The possibility may also develop to trigger new snow sluffs or very soft slabs as snow accumulates this afternoon.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light snow could fall overnight with increasing chances during the day and night Friday as the flow shifts from the northwest to the west. Four to six inches of snow could fall by sunset on Friday. Winds will become westerly with ten to twenty mile per hour averages and temperatures are to rise into the mid twenties.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Slabs that lie upon underlying weaknesses in the snowpack could still be triggered by backcountry travelers. These slabs lie in very steep avalanche starting zones that were visibly loaded during the mid January storm cycle. In areas where the most snow was received and loaded these hard slabs are likely to require large loads to trigger them, may have depths to four feet and once triggered are likely to carry severe consequences. In areas that are shallower these slabs may be triggered by a single rider or skier and are likely to be soft slabs with depths near two feet. As new snow accumulates the possibility to trigger loose snow sluffs and very shallow surface slabs may develop.